Cast your Anxiety | Andy Imbimbo

Exiles P11: Cast your Anxiety Andy Imbimbo | Lead Pastor Sunday June 7 2026 Main Text: 1 Peter 5:6–14 #jesus #God #christian #christianity #church #sermon #faith #scripture #Bible #njchurch #unionnjchurch #Crossroads Join us Sunday morning LIVE @ 9AM & 11 AM If you would like to give to our church, visit https://ccfou.churchcenter.com/giving Message Overview Keep Looking Up is a message about humility, anxiety, spiritual warfare, and eternal hope. Peter closes his letter to suffering Christians by reminding them that God cares deeply for them, the enemy is real, suffering is temporary, and eternal glory is coming. In a broken and anxious world, Peter calls believers to cast their burdens on God, resist the enemy, and keep their eyes fixed on Jesus. Humble Yourself Under God’s Mighty Hand (1 Peter 5:6) Peter points believers back to the mighty hand of God, the same powerful hand that delivered Israel throughout the Old Testament. Humility means trusting God enough to come under His authority and timing. Truth: God is powerful enough to sustain you, protect you, and carry what you cannot. Application: Surrender one area of your life this week where you have been trying to control instead of trust. Cast Your Anxiety on God (1 Peter 5:7) Peter says to cast your anxieties on God because He cares for you. The word “cast” means to throw something onto someone else. God never intended for you to carry God-sized burdens on your own. Truth: Anxiety grows when we try to carry what only God was meant to hold. Application: Ask yourself, “What am I controlling instead of casting?” Move one burden from your to-do list to your prayer list this week. Jesus Cares More Than You Know (Mark 4) Peter learned this lesson personally when the disciples panicked during the storm and asked Jesus, “Don’t You care?” Jesus calmed the storm and showed them that His presence was greater than their fear. Truth: Even when life feels chaotic, Jesus is still in the boat with you. Application: Bring your fears honestly to Jesus this week instead of carrying them alone. Stay Alert Because the Enemy Is Real (1 Peter 5:8–9) Peter warns believers that the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Christians are called to stay sober-minded, alert, and firm in their faith. Truth: The enemy wants to distract, isolate, and weaken your walk with Christ. Application: Identify one area where the enemy may be distracting or isolating you and take a practical step toward spiritual health this week. Resist the Devil by Standing Firm in Christ (James 4:7, Colossians 2:15) Peter says believers must resist the enemy. Satan has already been defeated through the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Truth: Christians do not fight for victory, we fight from victory. Application: Stop giving the enemy small compromises and stand firm in the authority of Jesus Christ. The God of All Grace Will Restore You (1 Peter 5:10–11) Peter lifts suffering Christians’ eyes toward eternity. Suffering lasts only “a little while,” but God promises to restore, strengthen, and establish His people forever. Truth: Suffering is temporary, but glory is eternal. Application: Keep your eyes fixed on eternity this week instead of being consumed by temporary struggles. This Week’s Reflection Peter knew suffering personally. He failed Jesus, experienced shame, endured persecution, and eventually gave his life for Christ. Yet Peter never stopped following Jesus because he knew eternal glory was coming. This week, keep looking up. Fix your eyes on Christ, cast your burdens on Him, stand firm against the enemy, and remember that after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace will restore you.